Insurance
Key Issues and 2026 Priorities with Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Jimmy Harris
He steps into the role as property insurance rates climb and severe weather reshapes the market.
In an effort to combat financial pressures, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield is offering certain employees early-retirement.
The CEO of Big I Arkansas discusses the unique challenges of being an independent insurance agency in today’s hard market.
After posting a $7.46 million loss in 2024, Delta Dental of Arkansas is launching new ventures to address the state’s oral health crisis.
Hope Warehouse Owner Sues Insurer Over $1.8M Storm Damage Claim
Hope warehouse owner sues insurer for $1.8M after hail and wind damage claim was denied. read more >
Hires & Promotions at Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Summit Utilities, CJRW (Movers & Shakers)
From banking to nonprofits, see who’s moving up or joining Arkansas organizations this week. read more >
American Frankenstein (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
Stress continues to build on the way we pay for health care in the United States. The bill will come due. read more >
by Hunter Field -
TMB Capital Partners Transitions to Independent Advisory Firm
A six-member wealth management team with $1 billion in assets under advisement is leaving Raymond James to launch its own SEC-registered firm. read more >
New Hires & Promotions at Henderson Engineers, First Community Bank & Stone Ward (Movers & Shakers)
Highlights include Halie Price joining Henderson Engineers, Katie Bruhl at Taggart Architects, and Chris Gosnell named chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association. read more >
Mountaire Corp. Reclaims Top Spot Among Arkansas’ Largest Private Companies
Nineteen Arkansas-based private companies topped $1 billion in revenue in 2024. That's two more than the previous year. read more >
by Gwen Moritz -
Small Business Benefits (Tracy Matson Commentary)
Small businesses can use a strong benefits package to attract and retain top talent. read more >
by Tracy Matson -
![Curtis Barnett is the president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield. He’s navigating a funding crisis in the health care and insurance industries. [Karen E. Segrave]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ARBusiness-Curtiss-Barnett-0040_opt-300x194.jpg)
CEO Confronts Arkansas Blue Cross’ Historic Loss Amid Health Care Crisis
After a record $226 million loss, Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield’s CEO faces tough challenges ahead in an increasingly costly and complex health care landscape. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
![Bo Ryall, CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association, says hospitals continue to struggle in the aftermath of the pandemic. [Steve Lewis]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BoRyall5_opt-300x194.jpg)
ACA Rule Changes Could Lead to Coverage Confusion, Industry Leaders Warn
The proposed changes, along with expiring subsidies, could reduce coverage and strain hospitals and insurance agencies. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Dillard’s Reports $1M Commission to Stephens Insurance in Latest Proxy
Dillard's 2024 proxy shows the company paid Stephens Insurance $1 million in commissions and $70,430 for insurance services. Warren Stephens, who owns the agency, has been on Dillard's board since 2002. read more >
North Little Rock Homeowner Sues Insurer Over Tornado Damage Claim on Historic Property
A North Little Rock homeowner is suing Massachusetts Bay Insurance for denying coverage of $135,000 in tornado damage to her historic house. read more >
Delta Dental’s $7.4M Loss Tied to Tech Upgrade
The extensive $25 million tech project included changing the claim, eligibility and payment systems of the dental insurance nonprofit based in Sherwood. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield Awards Partial Bonuses Despite Tough 2024
Despite a $100M loss and layoffs, Arkansas Blue Cross awarded 50% of target bonuses to non-executive employees, while executives will not receive bonuses for 2024. read more >
The Health Care Crisis (Editorial)
President-elect Donald Trump has a chance to improve the lives of every American family. read more >
Health Insurance Rates Soar, Expected to Rise Again in 2025
The increase has employers scrambling to find ways to curb costs, including choosing plans with higher deductibles or turning to self-insurance. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Hope Is Not a Strategy (Editorial)
Climate change is real and it’s here. Smart business owners will prepare. read more >
The Death of the Cold Call (John Tucker Commentary)
Cold calling on the phone is a waste of time and money. Focus on warming up leads first. read more >
by John Tucker -
Insurance Companies Struggle with Record Losses on Arkansas Church Properties
Church insurers in Arkansas faced heavy losses in 2023, with Church Mutual Insurance and Brotherhood Mutual Insurance reporting pure direct loss ratios of 197.72% and 141.5%, respectively. read more >
Saline County Businessman Accused of Scamming Cousin Out of $390K Faces Bankruptcy Battle
Ricky Don Angel borrowed $390,000 from his cousins Sharon and Rory Wadkins in late 2020, promising substantial returns but failing to repay the debt, which they now allege was secured through false pretenses. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Scott Dorminy on Insurance Trends, Climate Challenges & Mitigating Premium Hikes
Scott Dorminy joined NAIFA in 2017 and has been its state president since 2023. read more >
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